2024/25 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

DESN1383 The Fashion Industry

20 creditsClass Size: 150

Module manager: Shuyu Yang
Email: s.y.yang@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module will introduce students to the challenges and opportunities for the modern fashion industry, focusing on how society, business and environment, are intimately related. The module will provide students with a description of the key operations within the industry in terms of its structure, different sectors, business models, and the supply chain. As 80% of the environmental and social impacts of a product are ‘locked in’ during the product development process, students will also explore this process and the functions that manage product development. The module will also explore the economic drivers that influence decision making within brands and retailers to provide the business context for sustainable fashion.

Objectives

The aim of the module is to provide a broad introduction to the fashion industry from a business perspective, considering environmental and economic sustainability. The module will describe the key functions of the industry, the common approaches for the management and delivery of fashion to the consumer market and an understanding of brand/retailer structures and business models. The module will also introduce the concept of product development, the buying process and the supply chain that all play important roles within the industry.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Describe the structure of the fashion industry.
2. Illustrate the complexity of the fashion supply chain and value chain.
3. Identify the key functions of the product development process for a brand/retailer.
4. Recognise the impact product development choices have on sustainability.

Skills Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
5. Demonstrate the ability to critically reflect on working with others
6. Apply effective written/visual communication skills to present findings.

Syllabus

The module will develop students’ understanding of the fashion industry by considering the role of design, marketing, technology, brands/retailers and the global supply chain in the delivery of fashion products (clothing) to the consumer market. Students will also be exposed to the fundamentals of product development, and the roles of key functions within brands/retailers and the supply chain. This will provide a broad overview of the complexity of the industry, and the process of product development. This foundation will be used to explore the challenges of delivering sustainable fashion within a commercial context. The role and influence of the consumer will be considered within this complexity as well macrotrends that are driving change within the industry.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lectures	6	1.00	6.00
seminars	6	2.00	12.00
Practicals	1	2.00	2.00
Group learning	2	0.50	1.00
Independent online learning hours			3.00
Private study hours			176.00
Total Contact hours			21.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

The seminar activities provide opportunities for formative feedback on progress and understanding. Further feedback will be provided via the group poster presentation which is used to test student knowledge. Dedicated group tutorials support the finalisation of the summative submissions.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Poster	Group Poster	20.00
Report	Group Report	80.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 17/09/2024

Disclaimer

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